Encoded picture identification

ABSTRACT

An identification device includes a computer readable code. The computer readable code includes data relating to one or more pictures of a person and identity data for the person. The computer readable code is readable by a device reader, and the device reader is configured to interpret the computer readable code and to display the picture of the person using the computer readable code data relating to the picture of the person.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to encoded picture identification, and inan embodiment, but not by way of limitation, computer encoded pictureidentification.

BACKGROUND

Barcode and quick response (QR) codes can be encoded with information,and this information can be gleaned by reading the bar code or QR codewith a reader. While bar codes and QR codes have historically been usedon paper and other such substrates, with the advent of smart phones andother such devices, bar codes and QR codes can be stored, displayed, andread electronically. Consequently, bar codes, and QR codes inparticular, can store a relatively large amount of digital informationthat can be optically communicated between common devices. Additionally,by using public-private key digital signatures on bar code and QR codecontent, authenticity can be established.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an identification device includes a computer readablecode. The computer readable code includes data relating to one or morepictures of a person, identity data for the person, and a digitalsignature verifying the authenticity of the identification device. Thecomputer readable code is readable by a device reader, and the devicereader is configured to interpret the computer readable code and todisplay the picture of the person using the computer readable code datarelating to the picture of the person, and the device reader may verifythe authenticity of the identification device based on the signature.

In another embodiment, an identification system includes anidentification device including a computer readable code. The computerreadable code includes data relating to one or more pictures of aperson, identity data for the person, and a digital signature verifyingthe authenticity of the identification device. The system also includesa device reader, wherein the device reader is configured to interpretthe computer readable code and to display the picture of the personusing the computer readable code data relating to the picture of theperson, and the device reader may verify the authenticity of theidentification device based on the signature.

In yet another embodiment, an identification device includes a computerreadable code. The computer readable code includes data relating to oneor more pictures of a person, an animal, or an object, identity data forthe person, animal, or object, and a digital signature verifying theauthenticity of the identification device. The computer readable code isreadable by a device reader, and the device reader is configured tointerpret the computer readable code and to display the picture of theperson, animal, or object using the computer readable code data relatingto the picture of the person, animal or object, and the device readermay verify the authenticity of the identification device based on thesignature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an encoded picture identificationdevice.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system that can read an encodedpicture identification device and display the picture and otherinformation on a display unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates features of an encoded picture identification system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodimentsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that the variousembodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarilymutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may beimplemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location orarrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment maybe modified without departing from the scope of the invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined onlyby the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings,like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout theseveral views.

In an embodiment, picture encoded identification devices can be used astamper-proof identity documents. Currently, identification documentssuch as drivers' licenses and passports are susceptible to forgery.Though there are already identity systems that store, as part of theidentity information, the biometric information for a person, there arestill difficulties with special equipment that is required to validatethe user. Also, some existing technologies rely on access to a centralserver to get additional information about the person. In anotherembodiment, a picture encoded photographic ID can be used at a point ofsale (store, restaurant, etc.). These documents, like drivers' licensesand passports, can be forged. However, a QR code containing a signedportrait of a person can be displayed on a smart-phone, and read on amerchant's smart-phone or other device. In this embodiment, locallyverifiable binary information can be exchanged using ubiquitous consumeritems.

QR Codes and barcodes can store up to 4 kilobytes of information.Consequently, up to three images can be stored with sufficientresolution to achieve good facial feature acquisition levels. In fact, acouple hundred bytes give a reasonable image. Of course, this uses imagecompression such as JPEG or DjVu. Short video or voice can also bestored in the bar code and QR code. Digital signatures can be made withRSA or ECC, and accompany the image or other data. An ECC signature froma 160-bit key occupies 40 bytes. Multiple QR codes could be used forlarge payloads. Additionally, an X.509 signer certificate, and possiblya chain, could be included in the code. Standard formats like PKCS #7permit omitting the certificate, or replacing it with the serial number,for size reasons. In an embodiment, signer information is omitted, andthe verifying party chooses the trusted root certificate based on thetransaction context. When a signature is used, the signed data binds allappropriate information, for example name, social security number,address, images, video, voice sample, privileges, and status.

The use of picture encoded identity documents is particularly valuablein situations where there is no access to a central server, or there isno policy to store the information in a central server, but validationof the user's identity is necessary. The printing of the document can bedone inexpensively with only a printer and without the need of specialdevices or media. Validation of such a document can be done by smartphones that do not have access to the Internet. These documents could beused in temporarily-issued government documents in cases for refugeecamps and disaster stricken areas where there is a need for a system tocreate secure identity documents that is cost effective, and whereaccess to the Internet is limited. Such an identity document is alsoanother form of security for a permanent identity document because ofthe cryptographic security. Again, the use of such a QR code displayedon a smart phone at point of sale can reduce fraud without requiringchanges to payment system protocols. Indeed, a driver's license can nowbe a signed QR code on a smart-phone, and be a more secure document.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an encoded picture identificationdevice 100. It can include an indication of the issuing authority, suchas a government seal 110, and a bar code, QR code, or othercomputer-readable code 120.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system that can read an encodedpicture identification device and display the picture and otherinformation on a display unit. Specifically, the system includes areader 200 that has a reader/sensor 210 and a display screen 220. Thereader/sensor 210 scans the QR code 120, and displays on the displayscreen 220 an identification picture of a person and other identifyingdata about that person.

FIG. 3 illustrates features of an encoded picture identification system.These features are discussed in more detail below in connection with adiscussion of the plurality of example embodiments.

Example Embodiments

Several embodiments and sub-embodiments are disclosed below, and it isenvisioned that any embodiment can be combined with any other embodimentor sub-embodiment.

Example No. 1 is an identification device including a computer readablecode. The computer readable code includes data relating to one or morepictures of a person and identity data for the person. The computerreadable code is readable by a device reader, and the device reader isconfigured to interpret the computer readable code and to display thepicture of the person using the computer readable code data relating tothe picture of the person.

Example No. 2 includes the features of Example No. 1, and optionallyincludes an identification device wherein the computer readable codeincludes a digital signature verifying the authenticity of theidentification device; and the device reader may verify the authenticityof the identification device based on the signature.

Example No. 3 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-2, and optionallyincludes an identification device wherein the computer readable codeincludes one or more of a bar code and a quick response (QR) code.

Example No. 4 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-3, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 310, an identification devicewherein the device reader is configured to interpret the computerreadable code and to display the identity data for the person and averification of the digital signature.

Example No. 5 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-4, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 315, an identification deviceincluding an electronic identification device that is displayable on anelectronic display unit.

Example No. 6 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-5, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 320, an identification deviceincluding an identification card.

Example No. 7 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-6, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 325, an identification devicewherein the digital signature includes a public-private key digitalsignature.

Example No. 8 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-7, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 330, an identification devicewherein the identity data for the person includes biometric data. Thebiometric data can include for example a voice recording, fingerprints,and an iris scan.

Example No. 9 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-8, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 335, an identification devicewherein the identity data for the person comprises one or more of aname, an address, a date of birth, a height, a weight, a hair color, aneye color, a social security number, one or more privileges, a status,and X.500 Distinguished Name data. The privileges can include forexample access to one or more restricted areas. The status can includefor example employment status.

Example No. 10 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-9, and optionallyincludes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 340, an identification devicewherein the picture of the person comprises a portrait of the person.

Example No. 11 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-10, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 345, an identificationdevice wherein the picture of the person comprises compressed data.

Example No. 12 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-11, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 350, an identificationdevice wherein the computer readable code includes one or more of videodata and voice data.

Example No. 13 includes the features of Example Nos. 1-12, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 360, an identificationdevice of claim 1 configured to read and verify identity data for one ormore identities, and to read and verify non-identity data, wherein oneor more subsets of the identity data and non-identity data are signedand issued by multiple authorities.

Example No. 14 is an identification system that includes anidentification device and a device reader. The identification deviceincludes a computer readable code, and the computer readable codeincludes data relating to one or more pictures of a person and identitydata for the person. The device reader is configured to interpret thecomputer readable code and to display the picture of the person usingthe computer readable code data relating to the picture of the person.

Example No. 15 includes the features of Example No. 14, and optionallyincludes an identification system wherein the computer readable codecomprises a digital signature verifying the authenticity of theidentification device; and the device reader may verify the authenticityof the identification device based on the signature.

Example No. 16 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-15, andoptionally includes an identification system wherein the computerreadable code includes one or more of a bar code and a quick response(QR) code.

Example No. 17 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-16, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 310, an identificationsystem wherein the device reader is configured to interpret the computerreadable code and to display the identity data for the person and averification of the digital signature.

Example No. 18 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-17, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 315, an identificationsystem wherein the identification device comprises an electronicidentification device that is displayable on an electronic display unit.

Example No. 19 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-18, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 320, an identificationsystem wherein the identification device includes an identificationcard.

Example No. 20 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-19, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 325, an identificationsystem wherein the digital signature includes a public-private keydigital signature.

Example No. 21 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-20, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 330, an identificationsystem wherein the identity data for the person comprise biometric data.

Example No. 22 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-21, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 335, an identificationsystem wherein the identity data for the person comprise one or more ofa name, an address, a date of birth, a height, a weight, a hair color,an eye color, a social security number, one or more privileges, astatus, and X.500 Distinguished Name data.

Example No. 23 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-22, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 340, an identificationsystem wherein the picture of the person comprises a portrait of theperson.

Example No. 24 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-23, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 345, an identificationsystem wherein the picture of the person comprises compressed data.

Example No. 25 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-24, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 350, an identificationsystem wherein the computer readable code comprises one or more of videodata and voice data.

Example No. 26 includes the features of Example Nos. 14-25, andoptionally includes, as illustrated in FIG. 3 at 360, an identificationsystem configured to read and verify identity data for one or moreidentities, and to read and verify non-identity data, wherein one ormore subsets of the identity data and non-identity data are signed andissued by multiple authorities.

Example No. 27 is an identification device. The identification deviceincludes a computer readable code. The computer readable code includesdata relating to one or more pictures of a person, an animal, or anobject, and identity data for the person, animal, or object. Thecomputer readable code is readable by a device reader, and the devicereader is configured to interpret the computer readable code and todisplay the picture of the person, animal, or object using the computerreadable code data relating to the picture of the person, animal orobject.

Example No. 28 includes the features of Example No. 27, and optionallyincludes an identification device including a computer readable codethat includes a digital signature verifying the authenticity of theidentification device; and the device reader may verify the authenticityof the identification device based on the signature.

Thus, an example encoded picture identification system has beendescribed. Although specific example embodiments have been described, itwill be evident that various modifications and changes may be made tothese embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way ofillustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may beutilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments isdefined only by the appended claims, along with the full range ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and willallow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that itwill not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims.

In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various features aregrouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting that the claimed embodiments have more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Description of the Embodiments, with each claimstanding on its own as a separate example embodiment.

1. An identification device comprising: a computer readable code;wherein the computer readable code comprises: data relating to one ormore pictures of a person; and identity data for the person; wherein thecomputer readable code is readable by a device reader, and the devicereader is configured to interpret the computer readable code and todisplay the picture of the person using the computer readable code datarelating to the picture of the person.
 2. The identification device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer readable code comprises a digitalsignature verifying the authenticity of the identification device; andthe device reader verifies the authenticity of the identification devicebased on the signature.
 3. The identification device of claim 1, whereinthe computer readable code comprises one or more of a bar code and aquick response (QR) code.
 4. The identification device of claim 2,wherein the device reader is configured to interpret the computerreadable code and to display the identity data for the person and averification of the digital signature.
 5. The identification device ofclaim 1, wherein the identification device comprises an electronicidentification device that is displayable on an electronic display unit.6. The identification device of claim 1, wherein the identificationdevice comprises an identification card.
 7. The identification device ofclaim 1, wherein the digital signature comprises a public-private keydigital signature.
 8. The identification device of claim 1, wherein theidentity data for the person comprises biometric data including one ormore of a voice recording, a fingerprint, and an iris scan.
 9. Theidentification device of claim 1, wherein the identity data for theperson comprise one or more of a name, an address, a date of birth, aheight, a weight, a hair color, an eye color, a social security number,one or more privileges, a status, and X.500 Distinguished Name data. 10.The identification device of claim 1, wherein the picture of the personcomprises a portrait of the person.
 11. The identification device ofclaim 1, wherein the picture of the person comprises compressed data.12. The identification device of claim 1, wherein the computer readablecode comprises one or more of video data and voice data.
 13. Theidentification device of claim 1, configured to read and verify identitydata for one or more identities, and to read and verify non-identitydata, wherein one or more subsets of the identity data and non-identitydata are signed and issued by multiple authorities.
 14. Anidentification system comprising: an identification device comprising: acomputer readable code; wherein the computer readable code comprises:data relating to one or more pictures of a person; and identity data forthe person; and a device reader, wherein the device reader is configuredto interpret the computer readable code and to display the picture ofthe person using the computer readable code data relating to the pictureof the person.
 15. The identification system of claim 14, wherein thecomputer readable code comprises a digital signature verifying theauthenticity of the identification device; and the device readerverifies the authenticity of the identification device based on thesignature.
 16. The identification system of claim 14, wherein thecomputer readable code comprises one or more of a bar code and a quickresponse (QR) code.
 17. The identification system of claim 15, whereinthe device reader is configured to interpret the computer readable codeand to display the identity data for the person and a verification ofthe digital signature.
 18. The identification system of claim 14,wherein the identification device comprises an electronic identificationdevice that is displayable on an electronic display unit.
 19. Theidentification system of claim 14, wherein the identification devicecomprises an identification card.
 20. The identification system of claim14, wherein the digital signature comprises a public-private key digitalsignature.
 21. The identification system of claim 14, wherein theidentity data for the person comprise biometric data.
 22. Theidentification system of claim 14, wherein the identity data for theperson comprise one or more of a name, an address, a date of birth, aheight, a weight, a hair color, an eye color, a social security number,one or more privileges, a status, and X.500 Distinguished Name data. 23.The identification system of claim 14, wherein the picture of the personcomprises a portrait of the person.
 24. The identification system ofclaim 14, wherein the picture of the person comprises compressed data.25. The identification system of claim 14, wherein the computer readablecode comprises one or more of video data and voice data.
 26. Theidentification system of claim 14, configured to read and verifyidentity data for one or more identities, and to read and verifynon-identity data, wherein one or more subsets of the identity data andnon-identity data are signed and issued by multiple authorities.
 27. Anidentification device comprising: a computer readable code; wherein thecomputer readable code comprises: data relating to one or more picturesof a person, an animal, or an object; and identity data for the person,animal, or object; wherein the computer readable code is readable by adevice reader, and the device reader is configured to interpret thecomputer readable code and to display the picture of the person, animal,or object using the computer readable code data relating to the pictureof the person, animal or object.
 28. The identification device of claim27, wherein the computer readable code comprises a digital signatureverifying the authenticity of the identification device; and the devicereader verifies the authenticity of the identification device based onthe signature.